By. Adam BankhurstIn 1998, a group of about 25 game developers held a very "informal" game-centric conference. They had a dream and a vision to provide a venue and platform for developers to showcase their work and speak to the world about the incredible medium known as video games. Fast forward to today, and The Game Developer Conference is now the "the world's largest and longest-running professionals-only game industry event." We, in Columbus, Ohio, are following in their footsteps and laying the foundation for the next big event in the gaming world, The Ohio Game Developer Expo.

On December 7th, 2013, developers from all around Ohio and beyond will converge at Ohio State's Union to show the world that there is some true talent in the Buckeye state. From YEI Technology with their PrioVR motion tracking device to Multivarious Games and their puzzle game Hatch-It, there will an incredible array of games and technology on display. Not only that, for throughout the day there will also be a speaker series that will highlight those who have done incredible work for video games and happen to call the Midwest home.

Along with the speaker series and games showcase, Extra Life will have a huge presence. Raising over $4 million this year alone, The Ohio Game Developer's Expo will help push that number to even greater heights. There will be tournaments, raffles, prizes, and so much more. So, while you are seeing the beginning of something revolutionary, you can have fun while helping the kids who deserve it the most.

Ohio, and the surrounding area, is home to some truly visionary and talented individuals, but until now have all been spread out. Starting with this year's OGDE, those in the community will finally have a place to have their voice heard and can come together to truly foster worthwhile development.

Every great expo and conference has to start somewhere. If you look at many of the most successful companies in the world, a vast majority of them started off in a garage with nothing but a dream. WE are creating that dream and providing a place for those who love gaming and technology as much as we do.

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Why not shoot for the stars? Why not put everything into what we believe in and create history, right here, right now? With over 40 booths and nine speakers throughout the day in our first year, I'd say we are off to a pretty good start.

The most exciting aspect is that this is only the beginning. With the first year under our belt, the sky will be truly the limit. With the relationships and experience we gain, we will be able to focus and ensure that's next year's expo keeps improving and improving until we can stand, toe-to-toe, with all the other big hitters in our industry.

Every journey starts with a single step and the courage to succeed. If you don't take that step, you will never reach the destination that is right there for the taking. E3, GDC, Gamescom, PAX, and all the others have their place, but there is a staggering amount of untapped potential in the Midwest.

We are here to forever change that.

Below are some links that will give you more information about The Ohio Game Developer Expo, how you can attend, and so much more;

About adambankhurstOne of us since 4:13 PM on 05.01.2013

I'm Adam Bankhurst and my dream is to work in the video game industry. I have created a website/podcast called The Gamer's Advocate and it's been one of the most rewarding expereinces of my life. Being able to take my love of video games and make it into something is unlike anything else. I am huge fan of anything Chipotle, Hibachi, or Disney related and some of my favorite games are Mass Effect 2, Ocarina of Time, and FFVII.